Protect Your Business With These Top Retail Security Tips

If you operate any type of business, let alone a retail store, you may experience either a burglary or an attempted burglary at some point. To a certain extent, it goes with the territory of operating a business, as stores are primary targets for this type of activity, especially during the night hours when the store is unlit and vacant. While you certainly insure your business to safeguard it from the unthinkable, there are several other measures that you can take to keep your retail store as safe as possible. This post will take a look at some of the latest security trends and tips for keeping your business as safe and secure as possible.

Retail Security 101

When it comes to keeping your store safe, you should not only be concerned about protecting your merchandise and your earnings, but also sensitive information. That’s right, retail security is perhaps more important now than it has ever been before with the possibility of a data breach and release of sensitive information like credit card numbers, social security numbers and more. And while you may think that these types of crimes don’t take place within the store itself, think again. If you have customer data on file or stored in a computer, it’s just as susceptible as your merchandise and cash box in the event of a break in.

With that said, here’s a look at some basic ways to keep your store safe:

Use the right locks

Safeguard both the front and back door

Regularly re-key the store

Invest in a safe

Security systems

The right locks

It’s obvious that you should protect your store with locks. But what’s not so obvious is what locks are right for your business. For instance, in order to collect on insurance money, most policies require proof of forced entry into a facility. So whatever lock system you choose, you have to make sure that the burglar is going to have to work hard to get in. For this reason, generally pin tumbler cylinder locks are recommended, along with a double cylinder dead lock bolt. Check in with your local locksmith today to see what type of door lock is best for your situation.

Safeguard both the front and back door

Many business owners only make security a priority on the main entrance to the business – and that’s a mistake. Many thieves actually prefer the entrance that’s less busy – and that’s likely the rear entrance that deliveries come to and that you and your employees enter through. So make sure you safeguard the rear entrance just as effectively as you’re safeguarding the front entrance.

Regularly re-key the store

If you own or manage a business, chances are that you have employees. And these employees need to be able to access the store. So what do you do? You give them access keys. However, if you’ve ever managed employees, you know that termination comes with the territory – and not all employees leave on good terms. You also know that employees often lose their store keys. For these reasons, it’s important to regularly re-key your store.

Invest in a safe

If a thief were to break into your retail store, you don’t want them to easily be able to access the cash box. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a high-security safe to store cash in. For even more security, we’d recommend storing this safe in a secure section of the store, ideally behind another locked door. This will just make the burglar’s task that much more difficult and time consuming. On a similar note, try not to build up a large amount of cash in the store. We’d recommend making bank deposits on a daily basis.

Security systems

Another suggestion to safeguarding your retail store is investing in a security system for after hours protection. Ideally, these security systems can be activated upon closing and detect any type of forced entry, sending an alert to the authorities if the system is compromised. Ideally, these systems are also equipped with video surveillance to help with the apprehension of crooks.

Other tips

There are a bevy of other tips to keep your retail store secure beyond what we’ve already mentioned here. For instance, having any entryways to the location well lit can help deter thieves, as there’s less opportunity for burglars to find cover in dark areas.

Another security tip is to keep any sensitive client data – whether it’s stored on computer hard drives or on paper – off site and in a safe location. This ensures that even if your retail location is broken into, the precious data of your customers should still be safe.

Finally, it’s worth noting that you should always make sure that you’re insured and that you understand the terms of your insurance policy on your retail location. Familiarize yourself with the language, know what is and what isn’t covered and consider reviewing your policy and making adjustments as necessary every six months to one year. In the event that your business is broken into, it’s absolutely essential to make sure that you’re insured.

Schedule a Commercial Security Assessment with a Locksmith

Whether it’s your home or your business, it’s essential to ensure that the location is as secure as possible. When it comes to your home, you’re protecting your family and your belongings. And when it comes to your business, you’re protecting your merchandise, money and, perhaps most importantly, your customers’ data. For more information on retail security, and to schedule an appointment to review your locks, safes and other security measures, contact Great Valley Lockshop today by calling (610) 644-5334 or fill out our free online estimate request!

Written byChris Strauss

Chris is a Locksmith by trade and the owner of Great Valley Lockshop in Malvern PA. Chris is a volunteer firefighter and "Life Member" for East Whiteland Township Volunteer Fire Company and a huge Nascar fan who loves to go camping and enjoys the outdoors.